How will LinkedIn help my Career or Business?

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Being that I am entrenched in Social Media, I sometimes forget that not everyone is on the same page or has access to the same set of information.  During my daily dealings and after networking events, I cannot find the person whom I spoke to online making it challenging for me to help them or help him or herself.  I will tell you about two different stories with some “food for thought”.

The Insurance Agent

During the week, I visit the sports bar at my local golf course whenever I go the driving range or watch my favorite Southern California teams play.  I live in a small community and run into the local insurance agent quite often.  He appears to be good at listening and dealing with clients and I know he hangs out there to pick up clients and socialize, but I do not think he is seeing the big picture.

The Insurance Agent mentioned to me that he wants to grow his business insurance clientele and I told him to look at my connections on LinkedIn and I can provide an introduction.  He said to me I do not know that computer stuff and I mentioned LinkedIn is easy to use and will benefit you – it is better than a virtual rolodex because of the networking aspect.

Therefore, he buys me a drink and walks out with me to my car after the game finishes.  We exchanged cards as well.  The next day he emails me a quote for my home insurance and my car (he must have taken down my license plate number) even after I told him I have had my agent for over 10 years.  His quotes were much higher, but the point here is he chasing one or two people at a time even after offering advice on where to focus his efforts.

The Massage Therapist

A few weeks later, I visited a massage therapist who was just in the beginning stages of opening her own business.  She fixed my back and I asked her if her business was on LinkedIn.  She said she did not really use computers.  Anyway, we exchanged cards and she did even have an email address.  With my busy schedule, I do not feel like playing telephone tag.  It is more convenient to send a quick email in less than 30 seconds to set up an appointment rather than call and leave messages back and forth.

Networking

The point here is that LinkedIn, if used correctly, can help you help others and expand your network more efficiently, ultimately leading to greater opportunity.  Do not fall behind!  People contact me all the time about job opportunities they see on LinkedIn and I usually provide introductions.

Posted by Deepak Gupta

Here is a great presentation from Jeremy Bryant -

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